Teachers presents?

[justalittlelemondrizzle]

I'm trying to keep costs down this Christmas. Not because I'm skint. We're not. But we're far from rich and i'm sick of constantly throwing money away because I feel like I have to.

Anyway, I've made these today for dd1s teachers at school and the guides leaders. I have another 5 to do for dd1s "people". They work out to just over £1 each including the chocolates, cellophane and ribbons. Dds will attach a personal note/poem to the side.
Not bothering with swimming teachers or the people who run the various clubs that I pay through the nose for this year.

Are they a bit naff?

[MrsKCastle]

That's lovely, OP. As a teacher, I never expect gifts but I do appreciate the thought behind each and every one. My favourite gifts have been art or poems by the child in a cheap frame, and I also keep all the personal notes and cards- when I've had a tough day (or tough term!) it's really touching to look back and remember how much past parents appreciated my efforts.

[MrsHathaway]

Write nice cards - just a couple of lines to each person saying what they've meant to your family this year.

[AtSea1979]

That's lovely OP. Did the cellophane come pre cut? I wish I could make something like this but I fear it'd look messy if I had a go.
At the end of year 7, DS took a gift for all his teachers as I thought they might not get much a high school.
We always buy for primary teacher, TA, head, cook, care taker, receptionist and after school staff but only little token tat gifts.

[MrsHathaway]

T&T - well it's certainly true in our L.A. as it's on their website. Why not email your school office to ask if there are any similar regulations that apply. They might have to surrender or share substantial gifts and only be able to keep tokens. The office or head will be able to guide you.

(Last post was re special school btw - forgot to refresh before posting)

[BlondeB83]

They’re lovely! Just the type of thoughtful gifts teachers appreciate.

[justalittlelemondrizzle]

Toold - id go for a bottle of wine with a personalised label (there's a great example upthread) you can add a photo of dc and maybe a personal message.
As end if year presents I've made personalised typography frames for teachers which have always been well received. People make them on eBay if you fancy a look.

atsea - no unfortunately not. I had to buy the cellophane in bag form and cut it up into squares! I was looking for a roll but couldn't find it anywhere. It did the job anyway.

[MummaDeeDee]

It’s lovely. I’ve been an SEN TA for years and it genuinely is the thought that’s gone into it. I work extremely hard for pretty rubbish money (totally out of choice of loving what I do) so of course it’s nice to get a little thank you note. At the same time you wouldn’t even notice that a child “didn’t bring anything”.

[Sirrah]

Teachers would be thrilled to receive a card made by the child, nothing else. Don't spend money on them, it makes no difference to how they treat you or your child!

[Ttbb]

A bit. If you are giving gifts why not do it properly? It doesn't have to be expensive. Nice homemade shortbreads in little pretty boxes that you can buy in multipacks on amazon for example.

[Ttbb]

Or what about Lindt Christmas Santas-they can't cost much more?

[BananaSandwichesEveryDay]

@justalittlelemondrizzle I can thoroughly recommend this company if you ever want to buy cellophane in future. You can buy it by the metre at a reasonable price. I buy tissue and cellophane from them every year and use it to wrap my Christmas gifts.

[Turnocks34]

I would love them. I never get presents though, curse of being a high school math teacher!

[ihatetosay]

why give them a gift - it is their job - ridiculous

[MrsHathaway]

The year either of my children has a teacher who only does her job will be the year I don't give a present.

[MsHarry]

They look lovely OP but I'm a TA and wouldn't ever expect a gift from any parent/child and neither do the teachers I work with. Honestly.

[MsHarry]

I actually find it embarrassing if that helps you not buy gifts. Why should we get a gift? Teachers do work very hard so a card from the child or a note/picture is lovely. A little boy wrote us a lovely letter last year that had us both in tears. Written on a piece of scrap paper from the classroom. Worth far more than any Lindt bunny!

[HostaFireAndIce]

Don't spend money on them, it makes no difference to how they treat you or your child!

I love the idea that that's the only reason anybody buys their child's teacher a Christmas present!

[crazycatgal]

That’s really lovely OP. I’m a volunteer TA in a YR4 class getting experience before doing my PGCE. I would be happy to just get a thoughtful card from any of the children in my class.

[Beeziekn33ze]

OP You've put thought and care into your gift and a personal note is especially good to get. As a teacher I never expected a gift but was touched and grateful when I got one, whatever it was. It's the thought that counts.
I knew a Y6 teacher in an affluent area who about this time of year told his class that should their DPs wish to buy him a Christmas present he liked a specific wine. And he got it!

[PurpleMinionMummy]

Don't spend money on them, it makes no difference to how they treat you or your child

You mean my £1 choc orange won't bribe them into being super nice to my child . Damn it.

[DelphiniumBlue]

Does getting a gift affect how the child is treated?
I think indirectly, yes it does. I've been a teacher and a TA, and have worked in a variety of schools. I've found that getting a small present ( homemade biscuits, a few chocolates, a flower, or a card made by the child) shows that the the giver and their family appreciates what I do. So there is a demonstration of respect there, it makes me feel that they are onside, and has a positive effect on communication.
I'm not saying that I count up who has bought a present and who hasn't, but I do get a slightly warmer feel about those families who have shown that they are aware of the time and effort I put in with their children. And a child who goes to the trouble of making a card, who shows it's not just a one-way street, is going to be viewed with affection by their teachers.

[nuttyknitter]

Those are lovely and will really be appreciated.

[cantfindauser]

As a teacher I think they’re great. A little note sounds great. It’s nice to feel appreciated!

[RainyApril]

I'm a teacher and think your gifts look lovely.

FWIW the majority of children in my classes have always given gifts, it is usually only 2-3 who don't.

I am always so grateful for the time and effort put into a gift, it really is the thought that counts. I've received quite expensive gifts over the years, but appreciate thoughtful cards and homemade gifts just as much. My favourite was a homemade tree bauble that still comes out every year, it's gorgeous.

PP have said, quite rightly, that teachers don't need gifts because they are doing their job and getting paid. That's absolutely true of course. But most of us do a lot more than the letter of our jobs and it is nice to feel that someone has noticed and appreciates that. Last year I received a card that said 'thank you for taking such good care of me' with a list of 3-4 things I'd done for him that was 'above and beyond the call of duty'. It made me cry!

I also think a token card or inexpensive gift, usually instigated by the parent of course, sends a really positive message to the child. You can give your dc the message 'your teacher is doing her job so why should we give a gift' or you can send the message 'your teacher cares about you, and does more than she needs to, let's thank her'.

[redexpat]

As a guide leader id be bloody delighted by the gesture. It does smart a little that teachers who are paid to do a job get presents and volunteers who do it for love get nothing.